PICKENS ¬— “Planning” is often thought of as a dirty word in Pickens County, perhaps too close to the ultimate curse word, “zoning.”

But Chris Brink, director of Pickens County 2030: A Comprehensive Plan, says planning can be a good thing if the public gets involved.

“It’s good public policy,” Brink told the Pickens County Taxpayers Association Tuesday night at their monthly meeting. “We all plan. We plan on how we’re going to leave here tonight. We plan what we’re going to buy at the grocery store. Why shouldn’t we plan how Pickens County will grow?”

Brink said his job is to obtain as much public input to the comprehensive plan, which is required by state law.

Many of those present Tuesday night were more than happy to provide input.

“I thing most people want private property to be just that — private property, not government-controlled property,” one man said.

Former Clemson City Councilwoman Margaret Thompson said that there are good aspects of planning, but it can get out of hand. She said she knew of three businesses that will not come to Clemson because the city’s planning structure is so restricted.

“Personally, I don’t want any more government control in my life,” Thompson said. “If you don’t want (what happened in Clemson), you need to get involved.”

Brink noted that the comprehensive plan is a guideline for county growth, but it does not create any policies.

“This is where we tell the policy makers, ‘This is how we want to grow,’” Brink said. “And if they do not follow these guidelines, we can say ‘Why did you ignore what we want?’

“The plan is not in place to tell anybody what they can or cannot do with their property. Only policy makers can pass ordinances.”

Brink said he has been very conscious of the taxpayer’s money as he has pursued his quest.

“We had $50,000 budgeted to hire a consultant,” Brink said. “I chose not to go in that direction and do everything with our two-person staff.”

Pickens County 2030 will hold two open houses this month to attract more public input into the comprehensive plan. The first will be 4 p.m.-6 p.m. April 20 at the County

Administration Building in Pickens. The second will be 4 p.m.-6 p.m. April 29 at the Hampton Library in Easley.

“This is an opportunity to be heard,” Brink said. “If you don’t participate, you lose your voice.”

Brink said that if all work together, the comprehensive plan can be very positive for Pickens County.

“Planning is just a good idea,” Brink said. “Good planning — good, thoughtful planning — is a win-win situation.”